Los Cardones Surf Ecolodge

Overview

Description

Your bungalow overlooks pristine beaches where endangered sea turtle nests are being protected. The gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf. Our loving community welcomes your participation in education projects. The surrounding preserved mangroves and coastal forest host a variety of birds, small mammals, and reptiles, such as the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) and spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus). Guests can go on excursions to volcanoes, markets, and colonial towns. Yoga, therapeutic massages, wholesome food, and good vibes complete an intensely relaxing vacation.

Rooms

8 beachfront bungalows.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 17

Percentage of local employees: 100%

• We protect four species of endangered sea turtles by relocating their nests to our hatchery and caring for them until they hatch. We raise awareness and contribute to Fauna and Flora International and other sea turtle conservation initiatives.
• We run a mobile library that lends children books in local villages. We offer arts, cultural, and environmental workshops in a local school once a week and coordinate community projects for education, reforestation, beach clean-ups, and environmental awareness.
• We participate in municipal efforts for coastal zoning, environmental planning, and sustainable tourism development.
• We provide 17 local staff with stable income, continuous education, and a beautiful work environment.
• We source quality and organic products for our restaurant and support local producers and entrepreneurs.
• We have built and run the ecolodge with minimum environmental impact by using renewable materials, conserving water, using solar energy, composting and recycling refuse, and participating in reforestation and dune preservation.

Rates

$76 – 100

We have all-inclusive rates with lodging, three wholesome gourmet meals per day with snacks, appetizers, and desserts, and unlimited drinks including bottled beers and freshly squeezed juices.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.loscardones.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=7&Itemid=155&yt_color=rates (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Managua (MGA)

Nearest local/national airport: Managua (MGA)

Travel time to nearest airport: 90 minutes

A 4x4 vehicle may be needed between May and October.

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, 2012

Additional Web sites

• www.orvisnews.com/Conservation/Living-Simply-and-Saving-Sea-Turtles.aspx (available in English). A guest blogs about his experience at Los Cardones.

Date This Information Was Provided

November 2012.

Photos courtesy of Los Cardones Surf Ecolodge, Nicaragua, for SustainableTrip.org.